News Release

FREDERICTON (CNB) – Forest-fire season in New Brunswick begins on Monday, April 18, and ends on Monday, Oct. 31.

Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northrup urges people to be careful and take precautions to make sure fires are not carelessly ignited.

"Forest fires needlessly threaten people, kill wildlife and destroy forests that provide livelihood and recreation for New Brunswickers," he said. "Let's do all we can to ensure a safe season."

The 24-hour toll-free Burning Permit Information line will operate throughout the fire season. To find out whether burning is permitted at a particular place and time, residents should call 1-866-458-8080. The line does not apply to areas inside cities and towns.

For information about campfires and brushfires within cities and towns, contact your local municipality for any restrictions that may apply.

The department encourages mulching, composting or hauling debris to a local landfill as alternate methods of disposal. A written permit from the department is required for any fire larger than a category 1.

Grass fires are a major concern in early spring and can cause serious damage to agricultural and forested lands. Forest fire officials warn New Brunswickers not to light grass fires in fields because they can quickly spread to nearby forests. People who feel they must burn grass are required to submit a written burn plan to the department, have an inspection beforehand and then receive a written permit with departmental guidelines attached.

"Department of Natural Resources firefighters work closely with their colleagues from municipal and volunteer fire departments across New Brunswick to combat wildfires," said Northrup. "When fires break out in municipalities and rural areas, the volunteer and municipal fire departments are often the first ones called out."

In 2010, 178 fires burned 152 ha (375 acres) of forest land in New Brunswick.

“This was well below the 10-year average, and I think much of the credit should go to the fine work done by our fire centre staff in Fredericton, our air crews based in Miramichi and our ground firefighting crews throughout the province,” said Northrup. “They all do a great job of protecting our forests and our people.”

For further information, call 1-866-458-8080, go online, or visit any Department of Natural Resources regional or district office.

LINKS:

●    Department of Natural Resources: www.gnb.ca/naturalresources
●    Forest Fire Watch: www.gnb.ca/firewatch